SoBRO’s South Bronx Leadership Forum (SBLF)

The South Bronx Leadership Forum (SBLF) lecture series provides an invaluable platform for sharing best practices in public policy, enterprise management, real estate development, and exemplary leadership in business and non-profit organizations. All presenters join a distinguished list of SBLF speakers that has included US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Senator Charles Schumer, and Hon. Colin Powell to name a few. SBLF has also hosted elected and appointed officials at the city and state levels, heads of community relations at some of New York City’s largest corporations, banks, and financial establishments, as well as esteemed Bronx leaders in business. The forums are collectively attended by over 35 community residents, stakeholders and others of the general public. For the first half of this year SoBRO had the pleasure of hosting:

Vicki Been (Picture 1 – upper left), Commissioner of New York City Department of Housing, Preservation, and Development who spoke at SoBRO’s SBLF on March 16th in recognition of Women’s History Month. Commissioner Been talked about the progress that has been made towards the Housing New York plan, of which Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) and Zoning for Quality and Affordability (ZQA) are critical components, and her experience at the helm of HPD – the nation’s largest municipal housing agency.

Hon. Darcel Clark (Picture 2 – upper right), Bronx District Attorney spoke at SoBRO’s SBLF on March 31st in recognition of Women’s History Month. She is the first African-American woman to hold this position in the history of New York State. District Attorney Clark shared the progress that has been made towards addressing the criminal justice system, and her experience at the helm of Bronx District Attorney’s Office.

Gregg Bishop (Picture 3 – lower left), Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services spoke at SoBRO’s SBLF on April 8th in recognition of Leaders Making a Change in the Community. He talked about the progress that has been made towards unlocking economic potential and creating economic security for New York City’s diverse communities, connecting residents to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building a fairer economy across the five boroughs.

And …

Dr. Betty Rosa (Picture 4 – lower right), NYS Regents Chancellor spoke at SoBRO’s SBLF on May 24th in recognition of Women Leaders. Dr. Rosa was recently elected to lead the NYS educational system as Chancellor and is a long time Bronxite. She talked about the progress that has been made towards addressing the New York State educational system and her experience at the helm of NYS Board of Regents.

Mission

SoBRO’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in
the South Bronx by strengthening businesses
and creating innovative economic, housing,
educational, and career development
programs for youth and adults.